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Abu Dhabi International Book Fair has seen the inauguration of the third meeting of Directors of Arab Book Fairs, in the presence of leading Arab publishers. The meeting explores latest developments in the publishing industry, challenges and issues faced by Arab publishers, and the need to introduce new mechanisms and systems to promote the advancement of the industry in the region.
On behalf of Abdullah Majid Al Ali, Director of Abu Dhabi International Book Fair, Mohamed Al Shehhi, Director of Research and Publications at the Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi, and Chairman of the Third Meeting of Directors of Arab Book Fairs, thanked the State of Kuwait In his opening remarks for its continuous efforts in the field of publishing, Arab book fairs, as well as its efforts in making the previous meeting a success.
“The coordination efforts being made between the publishers and book fair organisers are invaluable and the positive effects of initiatives such as the Meeting of Directors of Arab Book Fairs are witnessed in the growth of book fairs in the region, and the developments being made in the industry.”
“We hope that our meeting today is another step in the right direction as we address key issues facing the industry such as intellectual property rights and copyright infringements. We also hope that our ongoing efforts to build upon the standards of Arab book fairs will be evident to all the visitors and participants as we improve year on year,” he continued.
Al Shehhi stressed that the promotion and development of the publishing industry is a key mission of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) and remains a key priority for the future.
Saad Al-Enezi, Director of the Kuwait Book Fair commented: “This annual meeting is an opportunity for the industry to come together and address key issues we face in the publishing industry in the Arab world today. Since our first session, we have worked diligently to monitor trends and to develop realistic strategies that once implemented will improve the sector for all stakeholders. The roadmap to our combined success places responsibility in the hands of all partners.”
“The title of our meeting today signifies our clear vision for the future of the publishing industry in the Arab world, and together we have developed a plan that will help us reach our common goals. Through these meetings, we are able to address the obstacles and challenges that we face in the industry, as well as ensuring that we keep up to speed with the advances being made worldwide. Publishing, literature, and the transfer of knowledge is an invaluable tool in the defense against extremism and terrorism in all its forms, so it is critical that the youth of our nations have access to education and knowledge through the medium of books and reading,” he concluded.
In his address, the President of the Arab Publishers Union and the Egyptian-Lebanese Chamber of Commerce, Mohamed Rashad, thanked the Chairman of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, HE Mohammed Khalifa Al Mubarak, and HE Saif Saeed Ghobash, Undersecretary of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, for their patronage and support in hosting the third Meeting of Directors of Arab Book Fairs. He also thanked the Director of the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair, Abdulla Majid Al Ali, and Mohammed Al Shehhi, Director of Research and Publications at the Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi. He stated that the main purpose of reviving the Committee of Directors of Arab Book Fairs is to communicate and cooperate for the success of exhibitions, and to improve the level of participation in Arab book fairs for Arab publishers. Book fairs are annual cultural events that attract readers from around the Arab world, highlighting their importance in the development of cultural knowledge, and economic, social and political development.
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